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Mak- Students’ Guild proposes 15% tuition increment for incoming students

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On Monday 2nd July 2018, Makerere Universality Students’ Guild Special Committee presented a report; proposing a uniform and moderate 15% tuition increment for new students across all programs effective Academic Year 2018/2019. 

“There should be a uniform and moderate 15% increase in tuition fees across all programmes effective 2018/19 for the next 5 years. This however means that a student who joins the University at a given fees structure that has a 15% factored in, shall continue to pay similar fees until he/she completes the Course duration. The increment of 15% should only apply to first year students (effective 2018/2019) going forward and not continuing students,” highlighted the Special Committee appointed by the Makerere University Guild Cabinet and Guild Representative Council. 

The Students’ Guild Special Committee presented the report to the Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem amidst applause from the Vice Chancellor- Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. William Bazeyo, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the Academic Registrar- Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah, Mrs Jackie Ayorekire-Manager of Revenue and Grants, Mr. Gordon Murangira-Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Ms Naomi Kiconco-Legal Officer, and Ms Ritah Namisango-Senior Public Relations Officer. Journalists from various media houses also witnessed the handover of the report.

Towards the end of the Second Semester for the Academic Year 2017/2018 (in April 2018), the Makerere University Council approved increment of tuition for new students who were scheduled to join Makerere University in the Academic Year 2018/2019. It should be noted that earlier studies indicated that the realistic unit of education in the humanities is proposed at UGX.6million and UGX.10million for science based disciplines. The Makerere University Council’s decision to increase tuition was further informed by the Visitation Committee Report which recommended to the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the need for Makerere University to charge the realistic unit cost of higher education.Considering the socio-economic conditions and the need to continue providing high quality education, the Makerere University Council approved tuition increment for incoming students by 49%.

The Guild President Papa Were Salim together with the Makerere Universality Students’ Guild Council Committee addressing the Chairperson of  Council, the Vice Chancellor and some members of University Management.

However, the Makerere University Students’ Guild led by the Guild President, H.E Were Salim protested against Makerere University Council’s decision to increase tuition for the incoming students by 49%.  During the meeting involving Makerere University Students’ Guild, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe together with Members of the Central Management held on Wednesday 18th April 2018 in the Main Building, Senior Common Room, the student leaders requested the Makerere University Council to defer the implementation of the tuition increment by 49% to enable the Students’ Guild to make further consultations.

Subsequently, the Makerere University Students’ Guild Cabinet and the Guild Representative Council democratically constituted a special committee comprising 15 members to review the Makerere University Council decision of increasing the tuition fees of incoming students by 49% effective Academic Year 2018/2019. 

Presenting the Committee’s Report on Monday 2nd July 2018, the Chairperson of the Students’ Guild Committee, Hon. Bandola Polly informed the Chairperson of Makerere University Council that the Committee studied the operations and fees structures of Universities in Uganda and East Africa. The Committee observed that Makerere University tuition fees were very low compared to other universities. This finding justified the need for Makerere University to increase tuition fees if the University was to continue providing higher quality education as well as professional services. The Universities benchmarked by the Students’ Guild Committee include: University of Nairobi, University of Rwanda, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Uganda Christian University.

L-R;  Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Chairperson of Council Eng.Dr. Charles Wana Etyem, Deputy University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and  Manager, Grants and Revenue Mrs. Jackie Ayorekire.
Led by the Guild President, H.E Were Salim, the following Members of the Students’ Guild Committee gracefully handed over the report: 
•    Hon. Bandola Polly (Chairperson)
•    Hon. Kirabo Marion 
•    Hon. Isaac Kwagala 
•    Hon. Obedgiu Samuel 
•    Hon. Ssewalya Simon Peter
•    Hon. Kamukama Frank 

The report highlights that while the Visitation Committee recommended that Public Universities should charge a unit cost per program, the Committee has only considered a reasonable and moderate 15% tuition increment mainly considering our unique social-economic conditions as a country.

The report clearly indicates the need to improve students’ welfare and facilities. He  therefore emphasized the initiation of  a feedback  framework where all matters/policies that affect  students  are discussed  by students  leaders  beyond  the two student representatives  that sit  on the University Council  and its Committees.  

 “Today is a special day for I have witnessed the Makerere University Students’ Guild present its report to the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Eng. Charles Wana-Etyem. I am happy that after wide consultations, the Special Students’ Guild Committee has proposed 15% tuition increment for incoming students. The Chairperson of Council is here to receive the recommendations from the Students’ Guild Committee, and he will present them to the Council for further consultation,” said the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. 

L-R;  Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. William Bazeyo,  Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Chairperson of Council Eng.Dr. Charles Wana Etyem and Deputy University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.

The Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem thanked the Makerere University Students’ Guild and Guild Representative Council (GRCs) for undertaking a comparative study that informed the Guild’s proposal of 15% tuition increment. He applauded the Committee for the remarkable findings and recommendations that will inform the new fees structure for undergraduate students. 

Eng. Dr. Wana Etyem urged   student leaders to always use dialogue when seeking for solutions to issues affecting students. He called upon the Guild Council to sensitize the incoming students on the Makerere University fees policy. 

“On behalf of the Makerere University Council, I am very happy that I have received the Students’ recommendation on the 15% tuition increment and the need to improve students’ welfare and facilities. We will schedule a Council Meeting within two weeks so that we formally handle this very important matter. It is good that the students have benchmarked institutions in Uganda and East Africa and established the realistic unit cost of higher education. I have taken note of your concern to improve students’ welfare, students support services and facilities and I hope that this report will benefit all the University students,” he said.

The Guild President H.E Were Salim commended the great work done by the Committee and called upon the University Management to consider the recommendations of the report. 

“This is a new era. The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University Management and Council and student leaders are going to work together for the good of Makerere University,” he said.

Article by Mak, Public Relations Office

Proscovia Nabatte

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Freshers’ Joining Instructions 2025/2026

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks. Inaugural comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing the pedagogical and professional competencies of its academic staff, 11th-14th December 2024, Fairway Hotel, organized by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), facilitated by the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

To All First Year Students;

It brings me great joy to welcome you to Makerere University.

First Year students (Freshers) are by tradition given an “acclimatization” period of one week which is referred to as the “Orientation Week”. The Freshers report on Campus one week earlier than the Continuing students and during this week they are introduced to the key facilities as well as other important aspects of life at the University.

Schedule of Semesters for 2025/2026 Academic Year

Saturday 2nd August, 2025 to Friday 8th August 2025 (7 Days) – Orientation Week

Semester One
Saturday 9th August, 2025 to Saturday 6th December, 2025 (17 Weeks)

Semester Two
Saturday 17th January, 2026 to Friday 16th May, 2026 (17 Weeks)

Orientation Week

Saturday 2nd August, 2025 – Friday 8th August, 2025

During the Orientation week, arrangements are made to enable the Freshers meet and be addressed by Key Officers, Wardens and Student Leaders who welcome the students.

Arrangements are also made to enable the Freshers acquaint themselves with such key facilities at the University like the Library, University Hospital, Games and Recreation Facilities etc.

Freshers are expected to take advantage of the week to survey and acquaint themselves with the general Campus lay out. Another major activity during the Orientation Week is Registration.

All Freshers must ensure that they are registered with their respective Colleges/Schools/Departments/Halls/University Hospital.

Saturday 2nd August, 2025
Resident Freshers report to their respective halls of residence or private hostels by 5.00 p.m. It’s the responsibility of each student to make his/her own travel arrangements to the University or private hostel.

Monday 4th August, 2025
All freshers shall report to the Freedom Square for a meeting (Central orientation program) with the University officials at 9:00am.

College Orientation
Tuesday 5th – Friday 8th August, 2025 College orientation programs will follow during the orientation week. College Principals and Registrars will issue the orientation programs for their colleges.

Lectures will begin on Monday 11th August, 2025.

Registration

For a candidate to be considered a bonafide student of the University, he/she must be registered. Registration is a mandatory requirement of the University which must be done within the first two (2) weeks from the beginning of the semester by every student. Privately sponsored students will pick their original admission letters after payment of 60% tuition and all functional fees from their respective colleges.

Registration will commence on Monday 11th August, 2025 starting at 9.00 a.m. each day at the respective Schools.

Ensure that you complete all the required registration formalities within the prescribed time in order to avoid disappointments later. College/School Registrars will provide registration programs.

Registration Requirements

Admission to Makerere University is a provisional offer made on the basis of the statement of your qualifications as presented on your application form. The offer is subject to verification of your academic documents and payment of university fees.

For registration purposes, all first-year students MUST produce their original documents for verification.

Government sponsored students shall pay shs.163,154/= functional fees to Makerere University.

Privately sponsored students shall pay 839,954/= and 1,495,253/= for Ugandans and International candidates respectively for semester one and 132,250/= for semester two of year 1.

Full admission letters for government sponsored students should be picked from the respective Colleges/Schools beginning Monday 7th July 2025.

The fees structure for privately sponsored students is attached to their provisional admission letters that should be down loaded from their ACMIS portal.

Students in the affiliated Institutions should pay fees indicated by their respective Institutions.

Fresher’s joining instructions concerning reporting, fees payment, academic policies and any important information from the different university units can be viewed from the Academic Registrar’s Department notice boards and University websites www.ar.mak.ac.ug and www.mak.ac.ug respectively.

All freshers MUST have laptop computers as one of the essential tools for study purposes for their programmes.

Other Fees
a) National Council for Higher Education fee (Per Year)-Shs.20,000/= (Payable to the National Council for Higher Education Account in Stanbic Bank).
b) UNSA Subscription fee (per year)-Shs.2,000/= (payable to Stanbic Bank, City Branch, A/C 0140007248501).

Change of Programmes/ Subjects

(a) Change of Programmes
Since selection for specific programmes was made according to each candidate’s performance and order of programme choices, taking into account the available subject combinations and time-table limitations, there is normally little need to change the programme or subjects. However, some places become vacant when some of the students admitted do not take up the offers. Such places are filled through the change of programmes/subjects.

Students who wish to change programmes first of all register according to the registration time-table for the programmes and subjects (where applicable) to which originally have been admitted. Each student who may wish to change his/her programme/subject combination is required to pay an application fee of Shs.6,000/= plus the bank charges to banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.

(b) Change of Subjects
Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural Sciences or the College of Education and External Studies may wish to change their subjects.

Students should be aware that changing one subject may result in a change of College. Before students apply to change their programmes, Colleges and Subjects, they are encouraged to seek advice on the cut-off point(s) for programmes, requirements for specific subjects and possible subject combinations.

Change of programme/Subjects will be done online on payment of an application fee of Shs. Six thousand (6000/=) plus the bank charges to banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Students are notified and warned that change of programme or transferring to another subject combination or College without proper authority will be liable to discontinuation from the University.

A student who has been permitted to change his/her programme or subject(s) will be issued with a letter stating so, and on receipt of such a letter that student should complete the ACCEPTANCE part and return a copy of each to the Undergraduate Admissions and Records Office, the former College/School and the new College/School.

The change of programme/subjects will be done online from Monday 4th August, 2025 to Tuesday 12th August, 2025.

N.B: It is advisable that only those students who meet the cut-off points for the desired programmes /subjects may apply.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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UVCF Makes Case for HEAC Programme

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Members of the UVCF pose for a group photo with their host, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (4th L) after the extraordinary sitting on 23rd June 2025. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.

An extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting at Makerere University on 23rd June 2025 has made a special appeal for the scientific evaluation of the impact of the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme as its future hangs in a balance. The sitting was hosted by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza and addressed by the Executive Director UVCF, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Chairperson UVCF and Vice Chancellor Busitema University, Prof. Paul Waako and representative from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), Dr. Maria Nakachwa and a representative from the HEAC programme, Prof. David Orema.

Welcoming members of the Forum to Makerere University, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi expressed warm regards from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who was away on official duty. Turning to the agenda of the day, he said “I find the proposed items on the order paper quite pertinent given the time, as we offer guidance and input towards our next journey in higher education.

The Host, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) makes the opening remarks. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
The Host, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) makes the opening remarks.

“We believe that by the close of the day, we should be able to come up with a position paper that will inform the next course of action in this regard” remarked Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in reference to the scheduled updates from NCHE on the HEAC Programme.

The ED UVCF, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo in his remarks thanked Makerere University for accepting to host the extraordinary session at short notice. Commenting on the successful reconstruction of the Main Building he said, “90% of the Vice Chancellors gathered today had not been here since the conflagration so we wish to commend you on the quality of work, especially the preservation of history.” He reiterated the host Vice Chancellor’s hope that the sitting would come up with unified resolution on important issues pertaining to the Higher Education sector.

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo makes his remarks. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo makes his remarks.

The Chairperson, Prof. Paul Waako thanked the Africa Renewal University for the warm hospitality accorded during the 75th meeting of the UVCF and congratulated Universities upon participating in the National Science Week and Summit 2025.

“This is a very good forum for institutions to interact, share progress on innovations and catch up with how far the country is progressing in science, technology and innovation. The new addition this year was the Science Summit, which is supposed to bring together all scientists in this country and out of that we would like to generate a position paper on science, technology and innovation, which we are insisting should be discussed by Cabinet every year” Prof. Waako remarked.

The Chairperson UVCF, Prof. Paul Waako. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
The Chairperson UVCF, Prof. Paul Waako.

The Chairperson UVCF noted that the extraordinary meeting had been called on short notice to feed into ongoing discussions at high levels regarding the HEAC programme and the recently passed Uganda Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025. He noted that the TVET Act has big implications on Higher Education training at Diploma and Certificate level, warranting a discussion by Vice Chancellors.

Stakeholders from NCHE and the Commissioner for Higher Education and Training in the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) were invited to enrich the discussion. Equally invited were; Prof. David Orema who worked with NCHE to develop the HEAC programme and the first training programme at Busitema University, Incoming and 24th Guild President of Gulu University and HEAC beneficiary Mr. Alex Opio Ongom, a student representative from Kabale University, and the first female graduate engineer from Buyende District – also a HEAC beneficiary.

Dr. Maria Nakachwa presents on the HEAC programme. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
Dr. Maria Nakachwa presents on the HEAC programme.

Giving an overview of the HEAC programme, Dr. Nakachwa observed that Uganda remains a hub of Higher Education in the region and the programme acts as a good bridge for international students who need to meet entry requirements of Ugandan institutions. She also pointed to the fact that the HEAC programme acts as a remedial programme for students who sat and completed the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) but did not attain sufficient grades to enroll for Diplomas or Degree programmes.

“Looking at the recently released UNEB exams, people with one principal pass were 29,000. Where are they going? Are they going to repeat? Very few do. In 2023, 18,000 students got one principal pass. Should we deny them access to the Ugandan Higher Education?” she pondered.

Prof. David Orema makes his presentation. Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi takes UVCF Members on a guided tour of reconstructed Main Building. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
Prof. David Orema makes his presentation.

Dr. Nakachwa added that NCHE, which is mandated by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act to set minimum entry requirements to any certificate, diploma or degree programme developed minimum standards for the HEAC programme in 2016, with institutions having the leeway to add two or three courses to help students cope with the rigour.

“This is well prescribed in Instrument 34 of 2008. It is a Level 4 of the Uganda Education qualifications framework because it is Post-A-Level, and the Higher Education Certificate Programme was approved by the National Council for Higher Education in 2016” elaborated Dr. Nakachwa.

She added that the HEAC is intended for four categories of students; 1) foreign students whose education system differs from Uganda’s, 2) a remedy programme for students with A-Level qualifications but not admissible for Diplomas and Bachelors, 3) holders of vocational qualifications i.e. holders of national certificates from the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) intending to pursue higher education, and 4) a bridge for the science/arts divide for students who may have passed sciences at O-Level but pursued arts at A-Level and thereafter, seek to pursue clinical or nursing programmes.

Furthermore, she noted that the change in nomenclature from the Higher Education Certificate (HEC) to the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme was as recommended by a 2022 review, that also recommended an increase in subject content for the Biological and Physical sciences tracks of the programme. The HEAC also offers a third General track for arts. Nevertheless, students on all three tracks are required to interact with content in the three areas of; Life Skills Education, Study Skills and Academic Writing, and Foundations of Mathematics and Statistics.

Sharing results as at December 2024, Dr. Nakachwa noted that 21 out of the 56 registered Higher Education Institutions in Uganda are accredited to run the HAEC programme, with a total of 3,908 students enrolled. “We have learnt some lessons which include; having the regulatory frameworks reviewed is critical, and continuous engagement with stakeholders is paramount.”

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi takes UVCF Members on a guided tour of reconstructed Main Building. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi takes UVCF Members on a guided tour of reconstructed Main Building.

The presentation by the National Council for Higher Education guided the discussions for the rest of the UVCF sitting, which concluded with the resolution to develop a position paper. Thereafter, the UVCF was led on guided tour of the reconstructed Main Building by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

Mark Wamai

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Mastercard Foundation Board pays its inaugural visit to Makerere University

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson and Ms. Reeta Roy, pose for a photograph at the Main Building Entrance. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On Tuesday, 17th June 2025, a distinguished delegation from the Mastercard Foundation Board visited Makerere University for the first time since the establishment of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the university. The visit underscored the progress achieved through the partnership and its positive impact on the university community, Uganda and the African continent over the past decade. The delegation was welcomed to Makerere by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, accompanied by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director for Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University.

The high-profile delegation was led by Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia and the first woman to hold the presidential office on the African continent. She serves on the Board alongside other members such as Mr. Zein M. Abdalla, the Board Chairperson; Ms. Jennifer Fonsted; Mr. Jim Leech; Mr. Stephen Toope; Ms. Sewit Ahderom; Ms. Baroness Valerie; Hon. Louise Arbour; Ms. Tsega Gebreyes; Mr. Jay Ireland; Mr. Michael Sabia; Ms. Carole Wamayu; Ms. Robin Washington; and Ms. Reeta Roy, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mastercard Foundation. Additionally, the Board members were accompanied by the leadership team of the Mastercard Foundation, including Mr. Doug Kasambala, Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Ivy Mwai, Education and Skills Lead; Mr. Adrian Bukenya, Country Director for Mastercard Foundation-Uganda Programs; and Ms. Rachel Nandelenga, Head of Country Program Communications.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, welcoming H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy and other members of Mastercard Foundation Board to Makerere University. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, welcoming H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy and other members of Mastercard Foundation Board to Makerere University.

The Mastercard Foundation Board conducted a series of meetings with various stakeholders at Makerere University. The meetings begun with the University Leadership, which featured key figures such as Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, the Deputy Chairperson of the University Council and Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Advisory Board at Makerere; Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program; and Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary.

While addressing the delegation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude for the partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University. He highlighted the Foundation’s impact on Africa’s higher education sector and the livelihoods of young people across the continent.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Prof. Justine Namaalwa, interacting with Members of the Board. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Prof. Justine Namaalwa, interacting with Members of the Board.

“We are privileged to host Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, along with other Members of the Board of Mastercard Foundation and the Foundation’s President and CEO, Ms. Reeta Roy, for the first time at Makerere University. The Mastercard Foundation has significantly impacted Uganda and Africa’s higher education sector and the livelihoods of young people, for which we are very grateful,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

Prof. Nawangwe also expressed appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation for its partnerships with Makerere University, which began with the Scholars Program and now encompasses additional initiatives such as the E-learning Initiative and, most recently, the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative project.

During the meeting with the Scholars Program staff, the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, had the opportunity to outline the achievements of the first 10 years (First phase) of the Scholars Program at Makerere University and shed light on the future of the second phase of the Program at Makerere University.

Rt. Hon. Dan Kidega, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Yusuf Kiranda interacting with the Board Members during their meeting with the Scholars Program staff. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rt. Hon. Dan Kidega, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Yusuf Kiranda interacting with the Board Members during their meeting with the Scholars Program staff.

Among the achievements highlighted by Prof. Namaalwa during the first phase were the following:

  • The Program supported 1,032 young people, of whom 76% were females and 24% were males.
  • As of January 2025, 965 Scholars had graduated, achieving an exceptional completion rate of 94%.
  • Scholar Alumni have moved on to various pursuits, including formal employment (34%), entrepreneurship (11%), and further education (3%).
  • Strengthening the Student Mentorship Engagements through capacity-building sessions for 97 university staff across the colleges, which benefits both the Scholars and other students.
  • Drafting the Makerere University Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy to streamline mentorship engagements across the university. The Policy is currently under review by the University Council.
  • As of 2024, the Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund has created 86 jobs across various communities.
  • The Scholars made a positive impact on communities through their Annual Day of Service, supporting twelve communities by constructing boreholes for clean water access in two communities and building and equipping classrooms in three communities.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, making a presentation to the Board during the meeting with Scholars Program staff. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, making a presentation to the Board during the meeting with Scholars Program staff.

Prof. Namaalwa also elaborated on the accomplishments thus far in the second phase of the Scholars Program by highlighting the following;

  • 101 Scholars recruited into the Program across different categories.
  • Prioritizing the safety of students and staff, emphasized by the well-articulated Makerere University Safeguarding Policy and its implementation activities.
  • A fully operational Disability Inclusion Support Centre.
A Board Member posing a question to Program Staff during their interaction with the team. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A Board Member posing a question to Program Staff during their interaction with the team.

On the other day’s activities, the Board also had the chance to view a mini-exhibition showcasing projects implemented by the alumni scholars. Furthermore, they engaged in a focus group discussion with both the Scholars and alumni.

On their part, the Board members expressed gratitude to Makerere University Management, led by Prof. Nawangwe, for the tremendous achievements the university had attained through the implementation of the Scholars Program and other initiatives aimed at uplifting underprivileged young people in Uganda and Africa. The Board members also expressed their appreciation to Prof. Namaalwa and the Scholars Program for the excellent job done in implementing the Scholars Program and for the continuous support provided to the Scholars and Scholar-alumni.

Ms. Reeta Roy, the President & CEO of Mastercard Foundation inspecting one of the alumni stalls during the exhibition. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Reeta Roy, the President & CEO of Mastercard Foundation inspecting one of the alumni stalls during the exhibition.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, concluded the day by presenting each visitor with an unforgettable souvenir of Makerere, which included exquisite Makerere University coffee mugs and executive pens.

Prof. Nawangwe presenting a souvenir to H.E. Ellen Johnson at the end of her visit to Makerere University. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presenting a souvenir to H.E. Ellen Johnson at the end of her visit to Makerere University.

Mr. Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communication and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

More photos from the visit

Members of the Board interacting with a cross-section of the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation during a focus group discussion. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the Board interacting with a cross-section of the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation during a focus group discussion.

H.E. Ellen Johnson and other Board Members interact with a student during a visit to the Disability Support Centre. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Ellen Johnson and other Board Members interact with a student during a visit to the Disability Support Centre.

Prof. Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy and other Board Members pose for a photograph with Scholars Program Staff. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy and other Board Members pose for a photograph with Scholars Program Staff.

Prof. Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy, and other Board members pose in a photograph with a cross-section of Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy, and other Board members pose in a photograph with a cross-section of Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere.

Bernard Butare

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